You can pay £*?* today for an ARP2600, especially ‘restored’, as they would often have to be, in order to be 100% working as when initially manufactured. Many electrical components in vintage gear need replacing after 30 years in any case, such as capacitors, worn pots/sliders/sockets, etc.

This M5 is one of around 90 hand made between 2005/6, so only 10 years old compared with 35+ for a 2600. As such it offers far more likely long term reliability and with great build quality courtesy of Ken McBeth. No tiny slider tops or mini jack sockets to fiddle with… On a practical note you can get multiple (man sized) finger tips between the slider tops for patching/mixing/modulation purposes.

As regards stability & tuning, many older analogue synths had & still do have problems with these factors. This M5 tunes very accurately and doesn’t need to be ‘tuned up’ at the beginning of every session, nor is this dependent on whether it’s hot or not – inside or out, as was the downside of many old analogue synths, though I appreciate some do like such instability.

I prefer to start off with known stability & increase detuning/instability if needed. There is even a stability pot on Osc#3 for ‘dialing in’ that effect when required, except it’s under your control and not at the mercy of other elements…

IMO the M5 is sonically much more powerful and versatile than the 2600, based on the dual filter design alone.

It has both a Moog ‘based’ (and classic) transistor ladder 24dB/Oct filter for VCF1, PLUS an Oberheim ‘based’ State Variable 12dB/Oct filter for VCF2.

As well as dual VCF’s, I often used the CV controlled Stereo + Pan Amp with integrated Spring Reverb for Stereo/Spring FX of one or other VCF, or even a VCF MIX, such that I had 4 audio ‘stems’ per patch for mixing. A glimpse of the huge flexibility on offer here & that’s only on the output audio…

There’s no end to cross patching, mixing audio & CV signals & yet easier to see & keep track of what’s going where. There are more modulation & audio paths possible than I care to mention… 1000’s basically!

That said, as it’s semi-modular, loads of connections are already made (normalled) such that you can get hundreds of variations per ‘patch’ with just sliders & pots before you have to even reach for a patch lead/cord. Immediate results are easy. Though it certainly encourages experimentation once you’re feeling more adventurous.

It has a total of 70 sliders which makes it easier to see the settings at distance for many of the functions, as well as allowing for easier ‘patch mixing’ as one might do or have done on a classic analogue mixing desk. It could be a great educational tool in that regard, or else any synth fan could simply get lost in the possibilities and enjoy the sonic adventures…

There is no manual for this synth, so it is assumed you are not a beginner to analogue synthesis & CV control.

As well as using as 2 separate mono synths, the M5 has ‘per Oscillator CV’, allowing you to play 3 note polyphonic chords with the right CV/Gate set-up and opens up another whole area that mono only synths can’t access…

In a Mono set-up you can of course easily detune to play ‘fixed’ chords shapes from one note in any case
and is great fun to experiment with this alone & the fine sliders have musical intervals marked for guidance. Or you could flip all the OSC-CV (labelled ‘KBD’) to -1V, and hear what ‘reverse’ playing would sound like… More fun.

As pictures shows this is a huge synth, at 3/4 of a metre high & wide. As well as all those those sliders, it has 23 rotary/switchable pots and over 100 ¼ jack sockets!” Link

“I am the Original Owner from new on production in 2006, as serial number on the rear will show to the buyer.

It has had only bedroom studio (non-smoking) use in that time and as last picture illustrates, was kept under wraps when not in use.

This is the Original M5 with the black & orange colour scheme, as used for the ARP2600.

Note that whilst it ‘looks’ like an ARP2600, the M5’s ‘sound’ is more Moog and Oberheim.

The original ARP2600 stole the Moog filter design of course, hence epoxy sealed units, lawsuit, etc…& You can pay £5K upwards for an ARP2600, especially ‘restored’, as they would often have to be to be 100% working as when initially manufactured. Many electrical components in vintage gear need replacing after 30 years in any case, such as capacitors, worn pots/sliders, etc.

This M5 is one of less than 90 hand made between 2005/6 and so only 10 years old compared with 35+ for the 2600, so far more likely long term reliability and with great build quality courtesy of Ken McBeth. No tiny slider tops or mini jack sockets…

On a practical note you can get multiple finger tips between the slider tops for patching/mixing/modulation purposes.

IMO it is sonically much more powerful and versatile than the 2600, based on the dual filter design alone.

It has both a Moog ‘based’ (and classic) transistor ladder 24dB/Oct filter for VCF1, PLUS an Oberheim ‘based’ State Variable 12dB/Oct filter for VCF2.

As well as dual VCF’s, I often used the CV controlled Stereo Pan Amp + Spring Reverb for Stereo/Spring FX of one or other VCF, or even a VCF MIX, such that I had 4 audio ‘stems’ per patch for mixing. A glimpse of the huge flexibility on offer here & that’s only on the output audio…

There’s no end to cross patching, mixing audio & CV signals & yet easier to see & keep track of what’s going where. There are more modulation & audio paths possible than I care to mention… 1000’s basically!

That said, as it’s semi-modular, loads of connections are already made (normalled) such that you can get hundreds of variations per ‘patch’ with just sliders & pots before you have to even reach for a patch lead/cord. Immediate results are easy. Though it certainly encourages experimentation once you’re feeling more adventurous.

It has a total of 70 sliders which makes it easier to see the settings at distance for many of the functions, as well as allowing for easier ‘patch mixing’ as one might do or have done on a classic analogue mixing desk. It could be a great educational tool in that regard, or else any synth fan could simply get lost in the possibilities and enjoy the sonic adventures… ” Link

“Here we have a rare Macbeth M3X synthesizer in absolutely pristine condition!

It is estimated that only around 200 of these were ever made. This one is serial number 21. Everything is working 100% and it has recently had a full service by James at Synth Repair Services, who also installed a couple of mods (details below).

These synths are often favorably compared to the mighty MiniMoog. I can’t offer a direct comparison as I have never played a MiniMoog, but I can tell you sounds enormous. I guess if you are looking at this auction then you already know this.” Link

“Macbeth m5n analog synth! For local pickup only in the Bay Area CA. In great condition, has a couple dings on the corners but in excellent shape. Only a hundred or so made, this is way better than getting an arp 2600! The build quality is the best I’ve ever seen on any synth ever made, the rugged construction and metal makes it feel indestructible.” Link

“I am substantially downgrading my studio due to a shift in priorities so i will have to let go of this unique and very powerful synthesizer. If you are looking for a M5N you probably know what a wonderful instrument this is. Only about 100 of these have been built… hand-built by Ken Macbeth himself that is. This particular M5N has been build for Landed Music LTD and bears the autograph of Ken Macbeth.

The item is 100% functional. Everything works as it should, there are now flaws. I have only used it in my temperature controlled smoke and pet free studio. I am the second owner (first owner have been Landed Music Studios).

On a cosmetic level there are a few very light imperfections caused by use of the first owners or by transport. Please have a look at the photos. I will describe them as good as i can but be assured that they are not bad. You have to look close to see them. The colour of the front panel is the standard white. it looks a bit reddish on some photos but that is only due to a combination of bad light and cheap camera.
On the lower part of the front panel is a very small imperfection that looks to me like a little flaw in the varnish. On the top of the front panel is a very small scratch probably caused by some patch cable. Those scratches are very small (1-2 mm) and only superficial.
Then there is one slightly bent fader and a little mark in the varnish on the place the slider sat when it was bent. I think this happened during transport by courier to my place. The slider is fully functional and is not bent badly so it doesn’t touch the varnish when you move it. It is really just a cosmetic flaw.
The top panel shows some light scratches from things that sat on the M5N (probably sequencer and a midi interface). The side panels also show a couple very light scratches. The little rubber feet on the bottom of the item have been removed by the first owners. I replaced them but they are just slightly glued to the item and easily removable without traces.” Link

” It’s with great sadness that I’m having to let my Macbeth M5N go. For a variety of personal reasons the M5N has sat unused (in good optimum storage conditions) since purchased new. I am the original owner. Perfect for anyone looking for an “as new” M5N….there can’t be many/any in existence! The only noticeable imperfections are small marks on the very top of the unit, where I’ve sat sequencers and pedals. These are not visible during use and the front panel is immaculate. Given the size and fragile nature of this instrument I am only going to consider collection in person, which hopefully should give buyers peace of mind as well…. see/play it before you buy.” Link

“Used 3-4 times, in pristine condition…not a mark on it. Original owner, smokefree private studiot. Selling a variety of monosynths and a hardware step sequencer (see other options). Waited months to get this, but I’ve learned that recallable patch-based synths are much more suitable for my workflow. This thing sounds freaking amazing, read the reviews. There are substantial wait times for delivery. ” Link

“Two great full ADSR envelopes with the absolutely sweetest sounding integrated VCA. In full disclosure, I owned this module for about one week before I accidentally plugged it in incorrectly which partially impacted one of the envelopes and one of the knobs. The module was professionally repaired, recalibrated and tested and is now back like new. Physically, it’s mint! Initially I wasn’t sure how long it would take to get it repaired so I bought a second one (and had a custom modification added) so I no longer need the original. The repaired module functions just as it did when I first got it, so this is a chance to get one of these for a fraction of the price! MSRP for this module is $699.” Link

“Up for sale is a (1) rare and very cool Macbeth M5N semi-modular synthesizer, less than 100 ever built. As you can see on the photo’s it’s in very good condition and it works perfectly! It’s a hand built synthesizer by Kenn Macbeth, Edinburgh, Scotland. The serial number is: AR4005 and it was finished on 26/03/2009. ” Link

“This is a very rare synth designed and hand built by Macbeth Studio Systems. I’m sure you know already but just in case it’s a rack-mountable all analogue design, 3 oscillator synth with an extremely fat 24db Moog style ladder filter and integrated midi control including filter, velocity and aftertouch. Basically it’s a modern Minimoog with quite a few extra features..

This thing sounds seriously amazing. The oscillators (based on those of the Minimoog) have real balls and a wonderful warm vintage character, the envelopes are extremely snappy and the filter is warm, wide and liquid with serious bite. Anything you put through the external audio in sounds amazing.

It’s modelled after the Mini and much of the sound path and layout is the same. In addition precision vernier dials ensure you can tune the three oscillators very accurately. There are also quite a few more modulation destinations than the original and a built in Kenton Pro Solo provides excellent midi control. The result is basically a sound designer’s dream. This Synth also produces the fattest, deepest bass I’ve ever heard.

One of only around 150 made this Synth is seriously rare. It was personally taken up to the latest production specs (their were two versions/runs) but the designer Ken Macbeth in 2004. It’s in perfect working and near mint condition. The oscillators stay in tune perfectly and there’s no need to calibrate it after every session. This is basically the best way of getting fat, vintage sounds without all the maintenance hassles. ” Link

“Up for sale is my Macbeth M5, quite a monstrous analog semi-modular synthesizer! I’ve decided to sell this because I want to change up my synthesizer set-up. It is in minty condition and all functions work perfectly. Cosmetically it is in great shape. These things are very rare so if you are looking at this you know how rare of an opportunity this is!

If you have any questions about it, please ask me before bidding. No international bidders, item will be shipped by UPS and shipping will be insured for final value of the auction. There will be no returns and item is sold as is due to its analog nature and shipping such a large synth, however it is guaranteed to be shipped as described and the buyer can request a video demo before item is shipped to ensure so.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“Long out of production Macbeth M3X in excellent cosmetic and perfect functional condition. Serial #1065. Includes power cable.
The phillips screws on the front panel have been replaced with matte hex screw heads, which are more durable and look far more attractive.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

If you have done any research on modular synths you will know that this one of the top dual osc moduals.
I was going to build a modular synth but now cant afford it, so it hasn’t been tested .
This thing has alot going for it, the way this whole package is put together just sold it to me.
Having the osc sync setup how it is, built in ring mod (which sounds lovely), BIG 10 turn pots, noise gen, cross mod, 6 waveforms, great PWM sound and octave selection just made me feel all moogy inside.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

“Massive analog synth from MacBeth – limited production, now discontinued. We are the original owner and only have used it carefully in our smoke-free studio. The only reason why we are selling it is because we moved and now no longer have the space for it. In EXC condition with a few light scratches on the top and back, too imperceptible even to photograph. Slider caps replaced on LFO2 rate and VCO1 LFO1. Rubber feet on bottom removed because they caused instability. ” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

Aside from being a filter this module also has a mixer, filter envelope, amp envelope, manual gate, LOTS of cv options, a main output as well as 4 separate outputs for each ‘slope’ of filter, tracking and more. Is it expensive? Sure… but it replaces or adds a lot to your system.

It really is an wonder piece and is quite rare on ebay, as in I’ve never seen one one here before. (Same goes for the Backend filter that I’m also selling).

The only reason I’m selling it is that I’m getting out of Eurorack. I’m the first owner. There is one flaw. The rectangle output on osc1 won’t output. It’s only 1 of 12 outputs and I’ve never missed it. I’ve been in contact with Ken Macbeth and he is sure is just a lose solder joint and is easily touched up by a tech. I rarely have use for rectangle waves coming from both oscillators, though so I’ve never missed it. ” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

Had this for 6 years now & it’s a classic synth from designer Ken McBeth, based on the Minimoog architecture & sound but can do so much more.

Aftertouch & velocity sensitive with internal MIDI from Kenton but can also be controlled by CV/S-Trig and has Filer CV input also.

External input also for sending other audio to the filter for processing…

3 full range analog oscillators & each can be routed to one of four destinations, allowing for plenty of crazy FM wierdness as well as filter modulation…

Using the MIDI & the Filter CVin combined you can make the Amplifier envelope respond to velocity via onboard Aux controller for the Kenton, whilst using the Filter CV to allow response of the filter to aftertouch, velocity or another MIDI CC…

These synths are rare with possibly only 150 or so ever made… That’s hand made too. Mine is serial number 00XX. (for the winning bidder only)

Only selling as I have another Macbeth synth so will not be without “the sound” in any case & need funds now for another project.

Synth has been racked in a non-smoking studio & is in excellent condition. The MIDI in socket is a little loose though so will tighten that up for the sale.

Complete with a draft copy of the manual which gives full details on the Kenton unit built-in, as that does need configuring for your set-up, tho as you can see in the pictures the parameters are given on the bottom of the faceplate itself for an easy reminder.” Auction ended. Click here to browse on eBay.

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